What is bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B are antibiotics that kill bacteria.

Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria, injury, burns, or contamination by a foreign body in the eye. This medication is also used to treat an eye condition called chronic uveitis.

Bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, or hydrocortisone. Do not use this medication if you have a fungal or viral infection that affects your eyes, including herpes, chickenpox, or smallpox.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, cataracts, or a viral or fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Do not allow the tip of the ointment tube to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the tip becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

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Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye.

To make sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your eyes will need to be checked on a regular basis during treatment. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if your infection gets worse while using this medication.

Bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone should not be used on a child.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, or hydrocortisone. Do not use this medication if you have a fungal or viral infection that affects your eyes, including herpes, chickenpox, or smallpox.

Before using bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have:

glaucoma;

cataracts; or

a viral or fungal infection anywhere in your body.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone should not be used on a child.

How should I use bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may warm the ointment by holding the medicine tube in your hand for a few minutes before use. Do not remove the cap from the tube until you are ready to apply the ointment.

Tilt your head back slightly, and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid.

Close your eye and roll your eyeball around for 1 to 2 minutes.

Do not allow the tip of the ointment tube to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the tip becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Do not share the ointment with another person.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye.

To make sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your eyes will need to be checked on a regular basis during treatment. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone. You may need frequent eye exams if you use this medication for longer than 10 days. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if your infection gets worse while using this medication.

Store bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly capped when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic is not likely to occur.

What should I avoid while using bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.

Bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic can cause temporary blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

What other drugs will affect bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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